Optimists are accepting oratorical entries

Jay County Optimist Clubs are accepting speeches to enter into the annual Optimist International Oratorical Contest.

This year’s topic is “The Moment I Realized I Belonged — My Definition of Community.” Local Optimist clubs will judge students’ speeches based on content and presentation. Winners will receive awards, with winners advancing to zone, district, regional and world championships, with a chance to win up to $22,500 in scholarships. The contest is open to all students 18 years old and younger as of Oct. 1. 

The deadline to hand in speeches is March 10. To participate or learn more, contact the Dunkirk and Redkey chapters at (765) 744-4092 or Portland chapter at (260) 766-9131.

Blue Christmas

Trinity Lutheran Church will host a Blue Christmas prayer service this month.

The service begins at 7 p.m. Dec. 22 at the church, 301 Wayne St., Fort Recovery. The public is invited to attend.

Hear a case

The Court of Appeals of Indiana’s Appeals on Wheels program will come to Delaware County next week.

The court will hear oral arguments on the case Rangel v. State at 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, at Muncie Central High School. The event is open to the public, and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions about the judiciary following the proceedings.

Muncie Central is located at 801 N. Walnut St., Muncie.

Christmas production

Grace Bible Church of Berne will perform “Long Foretold: the Journey of the Magi,” at 10 a.m. Dec. 21.

Written by Lindsay Finley, the story traces the roots of the Christmas story farther back than the manger in Bethlehem. The production is accompanied by a choral performance. Admission is free, and the community is invited to participate.